"We are very proud the triathlon is being held in Salford for the fifth year running and that the Morson Group, a well-respected local employer, has kindly agreed to be the official main sponsor."
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett
Organisers of one of the largest triathlon events in the North West have announced this year’s Salford Triathlon at MediaCityUK will be backed by the Morson Group.
The Salford-based firm will be headline sponsor of this popular event which will take place on Sunday, 30th July, against the impressive backdrop of MediaCityUK. It will help support Morson’s nominated charities for 2017, The Alzheimer’s Society and The Christie.
Around 1,000 places are now open for the fifth event of its kind, which takes place around MediaCityUK’s iconic triathlon course, featuring ITV’s Coronation Street, Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry Arts Centre and its newest development, the Tomorrow building.
The course features a 1,500 metre swim within the waters of Dock 9, a 40km bike ride and a 10km waterfront run. The course is suitable for triathletes of all abilities while first-timers can opt to do the ‘sprint’ half-distance race.
Event founder, James Whittaker, said: “As a locally-based business, we’re absolutely delighted that the Morson Group is supporting this year’s triathlon. Due to its fast, flat course, the Morson Salford Triathlon continues to appeal to both experienced and novice triathletes. With distances ranging from sprint to standard, including the standard team relay option, there is definitely something for everybody. It’s a chance to get fit and take part in a great event, in the heart of an exciting destination.”
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett said: “We are very proud the triathlon is being held in Salford for the fifth year running and that the Morson Group, a well-respected local employer, has kindly agreed to be the official main sponsor.
“The triathlon is a major event in the annual calendar with people of all standards and abilities taking part, many of whom will be raising money for worthy causes. I’d like to wish all the competitors good luck with their training and fundraising efforts and I look forward to cheering them on at Salford Quays this summer.”
Since the launch of the triathlon in 2013, Dock 9 has flourished as an open water swimming destination due to its safe, clean water with serious and leisure swimmers donning their wetsuits alongside Olympians Kerri Anne Payne and commentator Stephen Parry, as well as Coronation Street stars and BBC breakfast presenter Louise Minchin who have all swam in its waters.
CEO of the Morson Group, Ged Mason, said: “The Salford Triathlon has brought a fantastic, annual sporting event to the area which myself and many of the Morson team have, in the past, taken part in. We’re delighted to take our commitment a step further by sponsoring the event and hope to raise funds for The Christie and The Alzheimer’s Society along the way.”
Course overview:
· Swim: The swim takes place in Dock 9, MediaCityUK, a world class aquatics venue that currently hosts many open water swimming sessions and events such as the MediaCityUK Swim Series, the Great Manchester Swim, as well as historically the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the renowned Salford ITU Triathlons. In July, the water temperature will be around 18C.
· Bike: Once the swim is complete, the athletes mount their bikes on the MediaCityUK piazza and begin the six lap (three for sprint distance) 6.7km cycle leg. The course is flat and fast, along with some fantastic technical sections around MediaCityUK. The route travels through Trafford Park, alongside the ITV Coronation Street set, past the Imperial War Museum North and under the shadows of one of the most famous football grounds in the world, Old Trafford. Cyclists will take in views of the newest development at MediaCityUK, the Tomorrow building, as they loop back in to the transition zone in the piazza.
· Run: Runners (10k standard / 5k sprint) will travel along the Quays, passing Mariners Canal, Dock 9 and crossing the Lowry footbridge. After a skirt along the Trafford side of the Quays, the runners come back over the Lowry footbridge, past Dock 9 and into MediaCityUK.
To sign up for the MediaCityUK Triathlon go to: http://www.salfordtriathlon.com/race-entry
Twitter: @salfordtri
Email: info@salfordtriathlon.com
Facebook: facebook.com/salfordtriathlon
